PHOTOS: Lowell Police Dedicate Hero Sign to Fallen Officer Patrick Leavitt, Who Gave His Life in the Line of Duty in 1941

LOWELL — The Lowell Police Department was joined by family members earlier this month as they dedicated a memorial Hero Sign to Officer Patrick Leavitt, who gave his life in the line of duty on Dec. 18, 1941.

Officer Leavitt was the first Lowell Police Officer to give his life in the line of duty.

Officer Leavitt was born in Lowell, the son of two Irish immigrants who married and raised a family in a tenement on Suffolk Street in the shadow of St. Patrick’s Church. 

He had served as a Lowell Police Officer for 22 years by the evening of Dec. 14, 1941, when he and a sergeant engaged in a high-speed pursuit through city streets and arrested three individuals. As he returned to the old Police Headquarters on Market Street, Officer Leavitt suddenly became gravely ill and collapsed. He died four days later at the former St. John’s Hospital.

“That day, Officer Patrick Leavitt gave his life protecting others — a devotion to duty that defines what it means to wear this badge,” said Superintendent Hudon. “His courage, his kindness, and his unwavering sense of duty continue to inspire every member of this department.”

Officer Leavitt was survived by his wife and three children, but in the years since his loss his family has continued to grow. 

On Dec. 18, 2025, six of Officer Leavitt’s 12 grandchildren, three of his 16 great grandchildren, and one of his 17 great-great-grandchildren attended a ceremony dedicating a memorial Hero Sign in his honor. The sign now stands outside the former police station on Market Street. 

Attendees included Superintendent Greg Hudon, several dozen members of the Lowell Police Department, and city leaders including Assistant City Manager Conor Baldwin and Assistant City Manager Yovani Baez-Rose. 

One of Officer Leavitt’s grandsons, Ray Leavitt, spoke during the ceremony of the grandfather he never got to know, but learned about from family members. 

“What I’ve learned is there were three things that were important to Patrick — the Lowell Police Department, his Catholic faith, and family,” Ray Leavitt said. “Patrick would have been happy to learn his son, Thomas, and grandson, Richard, also served on the Lowell Police Department.”

The Lowell Police Department would like to give special credit to the Lowell Sign Shop for creating the memorial Hero Sign.

The memorial Hero Sign for Officer Leavitt is the fourth and final one dedicated around the city. Each sign was dedicated on the anniversary of the officer’s death, in the place where they were injured or died. 

The other Lowell Police Officers who have given their life in the line of duty are Officer John Joseph Winn, Officer George Pearsall, and Officer Christos Rouses. 

“These signs will serve as more than just markers — they will stand as enduring symbols of the dedication and commitment our officers display every day, even in the face of danger. They are tributes to the officers who gave everything to ensure our safety, even at the cost of their own lives,” said Capt. David Peaslee. “Each year, on the anniversary of their passing, we will gather at these sites to pause and remember our fallen heroes. We encourage all residents of Lowell, particularly those in the neighborhoods where these signs will be placed, to take a moment of reflection when passing by.”